A year of pediatric prevention

Abstract

Unintentional injury remains the leading cause of death in children under 18 years of age in the United States. From 2003 to 2013, 93,941 unintentional deaths occurred in the pediatric population, not including the additional morbidity in survivors. This project aims to educate parents and providers about the most common unintentional pediatric injuries by composing a list of evidence-based strategies to reduce injury and mortality. After reviewing the National Vitals Statistic System from the CDC website, a list of common pediatric unintentional injuries was compiled. This list was narrowed to encompass 12 topics based on their burden of injury, cost to society, and feasibility of recommended actions. Each of these topics was studied further to produce evidence-based strategies for prevention. The clinical review article will be converted into a safety-themed calendar for parents and healthcare providers that raises awareness and provides information to prevent 12 common unintentional injuries in children.